JOHNNY BLACK
Managing Partner
Johnny Black is the Founder and Managing Partner of Chesapeake Search Partners (CSP), where he leads the firm’s strategic growth, talent advisory initiatives, and expanding HR solutions platform. Since co-founding the firm alongside Rick Fribush and John Geraghty, Johnny has helped shape CSP’s relationship-driven approach, built on trust, collaboration, and long-term partnership.
Johnny has spent his entire professional career in executive and professional search, partnering with organizations ranging from entrepreneurial growth companies to established market leaders. Throughout his career, he has led recruiting engagements across a wide range of industries and functional disciplines, helping clients identify transformative talent while providing a highly consultative and personalized experience to both clients and candidates.
In early 2024, Johnny was named Managing Partner of Chesapeake Search Partners. In this role, he works closely with leadership across all practice areas to drive collaboration, strengthen strategic client partnerships, and expand the firm’s broader human capital capabilities. Prior to becoming Managing Partner, he served as Practice Director for CSP’s Real Estate & Financial Services practice, advising developers, investors, operators, and financial institutions on critical leadership and growth-related hiring initiatives.
A Baltimore native, Johnny attended St. Paul’s School before earning a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Communication from the University of Lynchburg, where he also played collegiate lacrosse. Outside of CSP, Johnny remains actively involved in the Baltimore business and nonprofit communities through mentorship initiatives, professional organizations, leadership panels, and philanthropic efforts, including his involvement with Next One Up.
